REVISED
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS30062 / SJR101
The Joint Resolution will more fairly distribute voter involvement and inclusivity for initiatives and referenda
by giving every legislative district in the state a voice. The Joint Resolution will ensure that the wishes of all
thirty-five legislative districts are considered versus only eighteen legislative districts as is currently allowable.
The Joint Resolution will eliminate the current practice of “venue shopping” by well-funded activist
organizations. For example, under the current system, it is possible to acquire more than one half of the total
number of signatures required to place a question on the ballot from a single legislative district.
This Joint Resolution will maintain the same total number of signatures that are currently required, but it will
also require a minimum number of those signatures come from each of the thirty-five legislative districts.
If passed by the legislature, the Joint Resolution will be placed on the November 2024 General Election ballot
and voters will ultimately decide whether or not to adopt the resolution.
FISCAL NOTE
There will be no effect on the general fund. There will be no increase in the total number of signatures gathered
and therefore counted. The existing workload will be more evenly distributed rather than being concentrated
in a particular geographical area. However, cost for placing the question placed on the ballot can range from
$0, if there is another question already on the ballot, to approximately $200,000 for the additional page to be
printed for statewide ballots if this resolution is the only question on the November 2024 ballot.
Contact:
Senator Doug Okuniewicz
(208) 332-1000
Representative Brandon Mitchell
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN REVISED: 02/27/2023, 8:17 AM